The city of Bastrop is exploring the installation of a shade structure for the Rodeo Arena as part of an effort to amend the “Experience Bastrop” Parks Master Plan for Mayfest Park.

What we know

The 10-year guiding document was first approved in 2023.

“The shade structure has been identified as a critical need for the park, and the installation of this enhancement will allow for there to be increased utilization of the Rodeo Arena,” Vivianna Nicole Andres, Bastrop city manager assistant, said in a staff report.

She cited the importance of the Rodeo Arena—which the city took management over in June 2015—to the Bastrop Community.


“The history of the Rodeo Arena is closely tied to the Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo, which is an annual event that began after World War II as a way to revitalize the community and celebrate returning soldiers,” Andres said. “The Homecoming Jubilee, which includes the rodeo, has become a cherished tradition, showcasing Bastrop’s culture and history while supporting local education through scholarships.”

The last Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo was held July 29-Aug. 2.

What residents should know

Amenities at Mayfest Park currently include:
  • A covered show barn
  • A lighted Rodeo Arena
  • 14 electric/water hookups
  • Restroom facilities
  • Three picnic tables
  • Two small barbecue pits
  • A ticket booth
  • A concession area
  • 11 acres of open space
Bastrop City Council discussed how a shade structure and other improvements—such as increased parking and seating enhancements—could lead to a greater variety of events being held at the facility.


“To me, the concept behind this is to go beyond the Rodeo Arena, because rodeo season only happens at a certain time of the year,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris said. “There’s so much to offer outside of the rodeo that we can provide like concerts.”

The outlook

Next steps include:
  • Host a town hall meeting Sept. 3
  • Host digital survey Sept. 3-Sept. 17
  • Present public input findings to Bastrop City Council on Sept. 23
  • Take amendments to Planning and Zoning Commission for approval Oct. 3
  • Hold a public hearing and have first reading at Bastrop City Council on Oct. 28
  • Hold a second reading at Bastrop City Council on Nov. 11
Place 2 Council Member Cynthia Meyer emphasized how these key dates are important steps to transparency, and reflected on the last time the city engaged with residents about its Parks Master Plan.

“We did an online survey that didn’t yield true results, and I’m thankful we stopped that process,” she said during the meeting. “We had a plan for soccer fields going up where the Rodeo Arena is, and the people yelled at us. Thank goodness they did, because it’s important that we give you what it is you want.”